Pope Francis Competition Winner Announced!

Drumroll, please. The winner of our ‘Pope Francis Competition’ is Jane Boland! Jane is a 5th Class student from Carrig National School, Ballycommon, Nenagh, Co Tipperary. We had a massive response to our competition – over 4,500 girls and boys entered. So, the job of picking a winner was a tough one. Not only were we blown away by the number of entries, but also the standard of each and every one. A big well done to all who entered, we loved opening the post every morning to discover what creative, colourful delights lay inside!

We took a trip to Tipp to visit Jane in her school to let her explain her beautiful entry! Click on the video below to see how we got on.

Jane’s design really jumped-out because of the skill she used in realising her fabulous idea. On describing Jane’s work, Julie Moran of Missionary Children said, ‘it depicts so much that’s positive and important in our ever-changing world – creativity, community, embracing different cultures, nature, and technology…We can all learn something wonderful from all the children who entered. They care about those less fortunate. They care about their family, about their friends. They care about their communities and their Churches. They care about their planet. In fact, I’d love to see all the entries being made into vestments to be worn by our priests celebrating Mass. It would certainly bring many colourful conversations, and endless joy!’

On learning that her design was the winning entry, Jane said, ‘I was so shocked to know that I was chosen from 4,500 other people! I really like Pope Francis. I particularly like how he says that ‘artists make the world better’ because art is my favourite subject. I love to draw and paint, it makes all my worries disappear. My design shows that even though we are similar in what we like, we are all very unique and that we’re all connected by one great world.’

Jane’s winning entry has now been sent to tailors in Rome, who’ll recreate it into a life-sized garment. We will gift these beautiful vestments to Pope Francis when he attends the World Meeting of Families in August. We’ll also display a replica of the winning vestment at our stall, number 23 & 24, during the World Meeting of Families in the RDS from the 22nd – 24th August. Be sure to pop into us for a natter and to fully appreciate Jane’s creativity!

For any lovers of creativity, do check out our Family Album for the World Meeting of Families HERE